A man is facing five counts of burglary to unoccupied structures following a series of local break-ins, including in the Cortez area.
The arrest came June 26 after investigators linked Leslie S. Guthrie to multiple incidents, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release. Guthrie, 53, is identified as without a home in Manatee County court records.
Thefts occurred at Judy’s Restaurant and American Lock and Key in the 9500 block of Cortez Road West, Pup in a Tub, 8108 Cortez Road W., and Mez Comics and Games, 8208 Cortez Road W., where surveillance footage was obtained.
MCSO reports also indicated that over several weeks 12 businesses were broken into in a similar fashion, with Bradenton Beach Police Department and the MCSO responding to the calls.
The MCSO zeroed in on Guthrie after observing him allegedly casing businesses in the 2800 block of State Road 64 E., according to the release.
An alarm sounded at a business early June 29 and investigators found evidence of forced entry.
Guthrie was located at a nearby motel and was arrested.
The MCSO said it recovered evidence from Guthrie’s vehicle and motel room related to multiple burglaries.
Court records showed that Guthrie is charged with five counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure, each with a $15,000 bond.
He remained in custody at the Manatee County jail in Palmetto as of July 3.
Guthrie’s arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.